This is a review of the graphic novels Batman: Knightfall part one and two. Writing the comic book review for both part one and two of Batman: Knightfall is good timing. Why? Well at the time of writing this review the latest Batman movie is soon to open in cinemas, added with the fact that ‘Bane’ is also in the movie, it jogged my mind about these old graphic novels I brought years ago.
Originally appearing in single comic form, these chunky comic books were a joy to read, which I have done many times. I don’t wish to give too many spoilers away, but it is hard not to, given the amount of ground these comic books travel.
Part one and two probably should be read back to back, and if you are a Batman comic fan, you should enjoy the story. Most Batman fans will know about Bane beating Batman, and this is the original storyline, showing you how and why.
The story isn’t just about Bruce Wayne and Bane though, as Bruce’s place is taken over by someone else, a new Batman that I was expecting. Plus throw in other characters such as Two-face, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy and more, and this was one fantastic storyline.
I used to own the audio adaptation of this storyline as well, which alas I can’t find. I remember listening to those cassettes time and time again.
So these Batman graphic novels, are not just about Batman fighting Bane, but two Batman, their issues, their journeys and their different views of how to be Batman. These graphic novels are not just about fight scenes, and it is well balanced. Perhaps to many the artwork would appear dated, compared to today’s comics, but it is very well done.
Part one is 288 page and part two is 296, so when I mentioned ‘chunky comic books’, I was not overstating the size. I just looked at when these graphic novels were published and the inside cover says 1993, so almost twenty years old, but in my humble opinion still a great read for fans of Batman.
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